Switch branches after Medboard?

2020-08-13T22:16:07-04:00

I’m at risk of getting Med boarded and I’m wondering if I’d be able to switch branches? I’ve heard it a few times but idk if it’s a real thing. I’m currently army, would switch to the Air Force if possible.

Response by SSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2020 10:35 PM

2020-08-13T22:35:44-04:00

PVT,

I would like you to think about this question and ask yourself, "does this make sense?" If you are medically discharges, you are assigned a disability rating by the army and are given an RE-3/4 re-enlistment code. These codes either require a waiver and a termination of disability pay in addition to numorous medical exams proving you are fit for duty AND there be a prior service slot open in the Air Force (which their quota has been filled already) and are non-waiverable for RE-4

Response by MSG Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2020 10:49 PM

2020-08-13T22:49:34-04:00

You get a Med Board....you stand damn near a 100% chance you will never be allowed back into the Service, regardless of Branch. What you have probably heard was people getting Chaptered for what ever medical reason, given an RE-2 or 3, submitting a waiver and it being approved. RARELY will someone that is a Med Board is allowed back into the Service. And the Air Force, I can tell you that they will tell you to "have a nice day, thanks for trying." They rarely take Prior Service from different branches even if they have an RE-1

Response by CPT Private RallyPoint Member made Aug 13 at 2020 11:00 PM

2020-08-13T23:00:45-04:00

I have worked for a brief period of time in Recruiting when I was in the National Guard. I will say that just getting into the AF is extremely difficult unless you offer them something they really need. If they are short on Combat Controllers then they will try to find those that can try out but then there are hundreds fighting for a few slots. If you are facing a med board you will most likely not be able to stay in the military. You might be able to serve in the National Guard if you have completed all of your training and can meet the bare requirements but this is very very rare.

Response by SrA Marcus Frey made Aug 13 at 2020 11:10 PM

2020-08-13T23:10:12-04:00

The Air Force is a Fickle Mistress, they wouldn't even think about Cross Training for anyone even close to being Med-Boarded. Unfortunately, I don't think they will even entertain the idea of allowing someone to move from one Branch to another if there is a previous service injury that removes a person from Active or Reserve Service. My best wishes are with you!

Response by SGT Justin Anderson made Aug 14 at 2020 3:14 AM

2020-08-14T03:14:57-04:00

This depends on your condition. You will receive a service rating from the DoD and a rating from the VA. Depending on the medical condition; A: You are found to be unsuitable to continue military service.
B: You can continue service but will have to re-class to an MOS that will not and does not interfere with your medical condition.
If you separate and able to go back in, you will forfeit all your disability benefits, including pay. Depending on your medical conditions, you could end up raking in more than you were making.
You need to formulate a plan for your possible departure. Saving money, going resumes, looking into furthering civilian education, etc.
Like said before, do some serious thinking and really understand your chances.

Response by CSM Darieus ZaGara made Aug 14 at 2020 5:28 AM

2020-08-14T05:28:46-04:00

If you get medically separated there is little to know chance of continued service after the fact. It would require overturning the names board decision and a waiver. Most medical separations are legitimate, if you are somehow looking for a quicker out so that you can transition you are taking the wrong path. If not I apologize for the insinuation. Ned board is usually and either or situation.

Response by SSgt Christophe Murphy made Aug 14 at 2020 7:46 AM

2020-08-14T07:46:31-04:00

You want to do an Active Duty transfer? It does exist but is pretty rare. If you have an ongoing medical issue that is resulting in limited duty and the potential of a medboard it will most likely stop your request early on.

Also, if you are medboarded and separated/retired you will be assigned a reenlistment code and generally you will receive one that will prohibit re-joining the military due to the issues that resulted you to be removed from service in the first place.

Response by SPC Bryan Guzman-Piedra made Aug 20 at 2020 8:31 AM

2020-08-20T08:31:06-04:00

The only way you can enlist after getting medboarded is to get the problems corrected. I require surgery to correct my issues but no one wants to operate on a 35 year old veteran's spine.

So here we are. I tried to look into joining the guard to no avail. If you are legitimately getting MEBd you're just going to have to suck it up if the MEB recommends separation.

Response by AB Private RallyPoint Member made Sep 3 at 2022 6:02 PM

2022-09-03T18:02:11-04:00

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